Crazy FJ-62 idea?

[Martinjmpr]

Since nobody else has asked, I will:

If you do the swap, what becomes of the rest of your Taco?

Only reason I ask is, IIRC, you've put a lot of work into your Taco, so would it be more cost-effective to just sell the Taco and use the money to put whatever engine/tranny combo works best into the FJ?

Would also open up the possibility of getting something like an FZJ rather than a 62 which would give you locking diffs and a more comfortable interior, plus not having a vehicle that is 20+ years old.

Swapping out the drivetrain seems like a pretty radical solution and it would seem to me to leave you with a hulk of a Tacoma that is only valuable as parts.

 

[Hltoppr]

Just say no, man....

That's a great project for TLC....bad for your backyard or garage....

I'm willing to bet you could just buy a 100 series for what it's gonna cost you to do that conversion.

-H-

 

[ChuckB]

I have honestly come up with some pretty crazy engine/drivetrain combos in my head, you can probably even find some of the threads around here :ylsmoke:

However, my $.02 is this is not worth the cost. Sell the Taco and buy an 80 or 100. I know you said that you didn't want to sell, but still... You could even probably have some money left over to do some mods or do some PM if you sell the Taco.

On the other hand if money is no object to you, then go for it and take lots of pics!!

 

[Grease Cruiser]

Sounds like it is more trouble than what it is worth.

It would be more feasible if you had a wrecked Taco and had a FJ62 with a blown engine. Why take out a perfectly good engine that is fine as is? Add a H55F for more power.

That 12HT FJ62 is a great truck or here is another one, ready to go with a H55F already in it.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-trailers-sale-wanted/282964-expedition-built-fj62-sale.html

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...As far as strength, who knows? Sure see a lot of Mini cases used in strange places w/o issue or much issue. IMOE I've seen more broken LC cases than Mini cases, but I'm pretty sure that's not the norm.

A LC 1 piece case (Early-80') is a weak link, especially behind a strong motor. Companies have made 'beef up kits' that patched some of the weak links but the ultimate solution for those is the Orion, available in 3:1 and 4:1 variations. Now, the split-case in the 80-90' LC's is absolute rock solid case. I've seen maybe one or two failed cases in all my years playing with Cruisers and they were under very extreme conditions. I wouldn't hesitate to run a tight split-case behind a big block in a heavily used Cruiser, they are just solid. They have proved very successful behind diesel power plants too.

 

[Schattenjager]

Maybe a '99 4Runner would be a better idea…

 

[BlueBomber]

keep the taco, buy a used FSJ. problem solved!

 

[ntsqd]

Generally I like the idea. The question is if it fits you and what you want to do.

If fangling things together and sorting out their issues is your cup of tea then I'd say go for it!

If you're more of a bolt-on mods person, then this might be a really large headache for you. Nothing this custom is a bolt-on and those things that do bolt-on will interfere with other things that may or may not also be a bolt-on.

If you still want such a vehicle then examine your bank account, expect it to cost 1.5-2.5X what you think that it will, and find a highly competent guy to do the work.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Maybe a '99 4Runner would be a better idea…

If you remove all the accessories you've put onto your Taco and sell them separately, along with the truck, you would probably have enough to get a '99 4runner in decent condition and then SAS it! :drool:

 

[JeepN95YJ]

Generally I like the idea. The question is if it fits you and what you want to do.

If fangling things together and sorting out their issues is your cup of tea then I'd say go for it!

If you're more of a bolt-on mods person, then this might be a really large headache for you. Nothing this custom is a bolt-on and those things that do bolt-on will interfere with other things that may or may not also be a bolt-on.

If you still want such a vehicle then examine your bank account, expect it to cost 1.5-2.5X what you think that it will, and find a highly competent guy to do the work.

This is how I see it as well. I like the creative thinking generated by these types of posts. I totally understand you when you say you do not want to sell the Truck and want to combine these two vehicles.

It is easy too say "it is just not worth it", "sell the truck and you'll come out ahead", etc. Specifically, those two options aren't what you want to do and you KNEW that they would be the answers before you posted.

I say build what you want but make sure you have the plan to follow through before you begin. We all know our projects take more time and money than we generally budget for.

 

[tacollie]

If you into doing project as much or more than doing them then go for it. This is a big project and will take a good amount of planning. Personally I would love to see it done.

That being said I sold my 05 taco for a 2000 4runner and haven't looked back. I seriously considered a fj62 from Proffitts that one of the employees was selling but decided I wanted to spend less. The only thing I regret is not selling the taco earlier. The taco is your 1st shift for LR to Toyota right? Maybe look at some 4runners. After I drove one I knew I didn't want my taco anymore. The Tacoma was a good vehicle just not the right fit for me.

Sorry for the semi long post, I just had similar experiences(a least based on your posts) regarding my Tacoma.

 

[4Rescue]

Sell Taco and buy the one below. Done and you save a ton of headaches and ton of cashola.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-tr...-1987-60-12ht-turbo-diesel-4.html#post4737346

:drool: Oh yeah, that's the winner right there... Hell I think I might buy that...

Cheers

Dave

 

[Christian]

i have seen crazier projects (im mid-build in one) So I say go for it!
One the whole drivetrain issue i had some of the same problems. Some minitrucks uses the R150F or the R151F gearbox. Both comes with pass. side output. those boxes can handle the power, trhey were used in the 80 as well.

I love the idea, the look and styling of the J6 makes it my favourite of the big cruisers anyday!